UTAGAWA TOYOKUNI (1769–1825) Toyokuni learned the ukiyo‑e craft as a student of Toyoharu (1735–1814). His early work was influenced by Kiyonaga (1752–1815) and Shigemasa (1739–1820). Toyokuni became famous for his paintings of beautiful women(bijin-ga) and his portraits of actors. The demand for woodcuts of actors grew faster than the master could deliver. In the Utagawa School, founded by Toyoharu and continued by Toyokuni, the production of actor portraits flourished. Toyokuni’s most famous students were Kunisada (1786- ca. 1864/65) and Kuniyoshi (ca. 1797/98–1861). After Toyokuni’s death, Toyoshige (ca. 1777–1835) headed the Utagawa School until 1835. After his death, Kunisada took over. In the literature, Kunisada is cited as Toyokuni III, Toyoshige as Toyokuni II, and the master as Toyokuni I.
UTAGAWA TOYOKUNI (1769–1825) Toyokuni learned the ukiyo‑e craft as a student of Toyoharu (1735–1814). His early work was influenced by Kiyonaga (1752–1815) and Shigemasa (1739–1820). Toyokuni became famous for his paintings of beautiful women(bijin-ga) and his portraits of actors. The demand for woodcuts of actors grew faster than the master could deliver. In the Utagawa School, founded by Toyoharu and continued by Toyokuni, the production of actor portraits flourished. Toyokuni’s most famous students were Kunisada (1786- ca. 1864/65) and Kuniyoshi (ca. 1797/98–1861). After Toyokuni’s death, Toyoshige (ca. 1777–1835) headed the Utagawa School until 1835. After his death, Kunisada took over. In the literature, Kunisada is cited as Toyokuni III, Toyoshige as Toyokuni II, and the master as Toyokuni I.
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